Digbeth’s Mockingbird Cinema In Running For BIFA ‘UK Cinema Of The Year’

Mockingbird Cinema is thrilled to share today (13 Oct) that they are in the running for BIFA’s (British Independent Film Awards) Cinema of the Year award, after making the 15-venue UK longlist. Voters widely praised the Digbeth independent for its film programme, staff, events and support for filmmakers, with one calling it “the beating heart of Digbeth”.

The independent two-screen cinema in the Custard Factory works with Reel Brum, has hosted Forward Film Festival and screens new releases, classics, world cinema and independent films.

Asked for a favourite memory in the award’s public vote, one contributor wrote:

“My short film being played at the first ever Reel Brum event, a local filmmakers networking event. I met a lot of people that night, some of whom I have collaborated with since.”

Touching on their wealth of special events, film choices and more. Further anonymous audience comments included:

“Thanks to the Mockingbird I’ve been able to see a bunch of films that pre-date myself which I can happily say I’ve got to see in a cinema, but I’ve also had a chance to watch smaller films that had minimal UK releases, that have grown to be favourites of mine.”

“So many! Bond car parked out front and Bond girls inside, a group of Peaky Blinders marching into the screen and reading the riot act, Tony the wine guy in full Baywatch get up for Jaws. Mockingbird knows how to have fun and their events are always the most!”

“When Mockingbird has worked with other local organisations to put on outdoor cinema events, these are the best nights of the summer. They’re fun, unique, and deeply Brummie in the best way!”

Mockingbird Cinema owner Lee Nabbs shared that the team were ‘absolutely made up’…

“For local filmmakers, having somewhere to show your work and meet people you can work with matters. That’s why we put time into Reel Brum, Forward Film Festival and our community screenings. This work has grown here in Digbeth, with filmmakers and audiences coming back and bringing other people with them. Thank you to everyone who voted, and to the team who make it happen.”

Beth Larbey, Mockingbird’s Social Media Assistant added:

“To be longlisted as one of the UK’s best cinemas has been overwhelmingly exciting. Through the whole campaign, the best part of the process has been hearing all of the comments our community submitted when voting. It was incredibly wholesome, showing a true appreciation for the relationship our customers have to our cinema, and spotlighting just how big of an impact our little cinema has made.

“We’re a beating heart of the independent film community, a place run by filmmakers and film-lovers, born in the creative capital of Birmingham, and fighting to be a home for our local films and culture. BIFA is giving independent cinema the appreciation it deserves, and to have Mockingbird be a part of that list is an achievement that reflects just how loved our independent cinema is.”

BIFA directors Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace said:

“Tens of thousands of audience members voted and told us how much their local cinemas mean to them. Congratulations to Mockingbird Cinema for making it – this longlist for Cinema of the Year supported by Kia is a fantastic showcase of the exceptional cinemas up and down the UK that are – in the words of one voter – what community feels like.”

Steve Hicks, Marketing Director at Kia UK Ltd (supporter of BIFA UK Cinema Of The Year), also commented:

“Congratulations to everyone at Mockingbird Cinema on being selected as one of just 15 cinemas on the longlist for BIFA’s Cinema of the Year award. This recognition reflects the dedication, passion and hard work required to champion independent cinema and create meaningful experiences for audiences in your local community. At Kia, we are passionate about independent film and the venues that bring it to life. Supporting independent cinemas allows us to connect with audiences in a powerful, human way, at the heart of communities across the UK, while celebrating creativity, accessibility and inclusive storytelling. We are proud to continue our partnership with BIFA and wish all of the longlisted cinemas the very best of luck as the competition progresses.”

Website: www.mockingbirdcinema.com | Instagram: @mockbirdcinema